HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin or hCG
or HCG is a [powerful polypeptide hormone found in pregnant women. The
HCG hormone was first discovered in the 1920’s and sold as an extract by
the pharmaceutical giant Organon under the Pregynl name. There were
numerous reported benefits of administering HCG to a host of varying
patients, and while some were indeed beneficial others would prove to be
quite ridiculous. HCG was initially used to treat the following:

Froehlich’s Syndrome

Cryptochidism

Obesity

Depression

Female Infertility

Uterine Bleeding

Amenorrhea

By the 1960’s HCG extract was no longer used as a science had
developed the means of filtering and purifying the urine of pregnant
women to obtain a cleaner more sanitary HCG hormone. It is still used in
a therapeutic setting, most commonly for:

HCG is also regularly used by many anabolic steroid users as a secondary item along side anabolicsteroid use or after use has been discontinued. During anabolic steroid
use, the idea behind supplementation is to combat hormonal suppression
that occurs due to steroid use. Use after anabolic steroid use is
implemented in order to enhance or produce a more efficient recovery.
Both points of use are, however, highly debated among numerous steroid users.

HCG Functions & Traits:

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a polypeptide hormone found in
pregnant women during the early stages of pregnancy. The hormone is
created in the placenta and is largely responsible for the continued
production of progesterone, which itself is an essential hormone to
pregnancy. The HCG hormone is also the standard measuring tool in
pregnancy test. Once conception occurs, HCG levels begin to increase and
can be detected by a standard home pregnancy test. The hormone will
then peak approximately 8-12 weeks into pregnancy and then gradually
decrease until birth.

When examining the functions and traits of HCG the only one of
notable worth in both therapeutic or performance settings is in its
ability to mimic the Luteinizing Hormone (LH). While perhaps slightly
simplistic, HCG is exogenous LH, the primary gonadotropin along with
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). This is beneficial to the female
patient as such gonadotropins stimulate conception; LH is also the
primary gonadotropin responsible for the stimulation of natural testosterone
production. This is the precise reason some anabolic steroid users will
use it and the primary reason it is used in many low testosterone
treatment plans. When LH is released, it signals to the testicles to
produce more testosterone, which is more than beneficial if natural LH
production is low.

HCG, while we can call it exogenous LH is not LH but rather mimics
the hormone. This makes it beneficial to the steroid user post cycle as
it will prime the body for the total Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) to come,
which will normally include Selective Estrogen
Receptor Modulators (SERM’s). While its functions do not change despite
the purpose of use, as we look at the effects of HCG we will find use
needs to be regulated heavily.

Effects of HCG:

One of the primary effects of HCG in the modern era is as a diet aid.
The HCG diet has rapidly become popular in western medicine, but the
overall effectiveness is perhaps the most debatable topic surrounding
HCG. Both the American Medical Associated and American Society of
Bariatric Physicians have been highly critical of the HCG diet. Both
organizations have stated the only reason weight loss occurs is due to
the starvation that often accompanies such a plan. HCG diets are often
comprised of a total caloric intake of only 500 calories per day. When
we look at the effects of HCG on the metabolism we further find it
carries no thyroid stimulating abilities, it is not a beta-2 stimulant,
it does not suppress or curb appetite and carries no functions or traits
associated with a thermogenic or fat burning agent. However, numerous
physicians have reported success with the HCG diet, but the starvation
factor is met with a lot of criticism as this in of itself cannot be
deemed a healthy long-term practice. Currently there is no solid
evidence that the HCG diet itself is the reason for such patients
experience weight loss that would not occur without HCG use if the same
starvation plan was implemented. The debate on this diet will, however,
more than likely continue for many years to come.

The effects of HCG on the anabolic steroid user can be broken down
into two separate categories, PCT use and on cycle use. Due to the use
of anabolic steroids, natural testosterone production is suppressed. The rate of suppression is dependent on the steroids
being used and to a degree the total doses, but it is generally
significant. Once the use of all anabolic steroids comes to an end,
natural testosterone production will begin again on its own. However,
this assumes there was no prior existing low testosterone condition or
severe damage caused to the HPTA during anabolic steroid use due to
improper practices. While production does begin again on its own, it is a
very slow process. There will be a period of very low testosterone levels
and often the symptoms associated with such a condition. Such symptoms
cannot only be bothersome, but they often cause the steroid user to lose
a lot of the muscle mass he’s gained due to cortisol now becoming the
dominant hormone in testosterones
absence. For this reason most steroid users will implement a PCT plan
in order to enhance recovery. This will speed up the recovery process.
It will not return your levels to normal on its own, but it will ensure
you have enough testosterone for proper bodily function while your
levels continue to naturally rise.

There are several PCT plans we can implement, most all will include SERM’s such as Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate) and/or Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate).
However, many have found that if a PCT plan begins with HCG prior to
SERM use the total recovery is enhanced. In a sense, HCG mimics LH and
primes the body for the SERM therapy to come producing a far more
efficient recovery.

The second positive effect of HCG for the anabolic steroid user is
use during a cycle of anabolic steroids. Due to steroid use, this will
cause testicular atrophy due to the now suppressed state of natural
testosterone production. By supplementing with HCG during steroid use,
the individual can keep his testicles full. While this is merely a
cosmetic effect that presents no strategic benefit, there is a possible
benefit to be had. By keeping the body primed with exogenous LH, this
can lead to an easier road of recovery once use of all anabolic steroids
has been discontinued, but there’s also a problem. It is very easy,
extremely easy for the body to become dependent on HCG for its LH needs,
while the human body cannot become dependent on anabolic steroids it
most certainly can HCG. For the low testosterone patient who’s using
HCG, this is of no concern. However, if you are not a low testosterone
patient HCG use on cycle must be regulated heavily and monitored closely
in order to ensure an LH dependency does not occur. Many anabolic
steroid users have done far more damage to their body with HCG use than
most any anabolic steroids due to overzealous HCG use. Such on cycle use
can, however, be very beneficial as it can help with the individual
easing into a more efficient recovery, but it must be responsible use.
Truly, regardless of the period of use, on cycle or as a kick start to
PCT, HCG use must be regulated.

Side Effects of HCG:

HCG is one of the most side effect friendly hormones in existence.
There are possible side effects of HCG use but they are extremely rare.
Side effects commonly associated with traditional medicines such as
gastrointestinal issues, headaches, rashes or other related occurrences
are impossible. The primary possible side effects of HCG will be similar
to the side effects most commonly associated with high levels of
testosterone, predominantly those of an estrogenic nature. This isn’t
surprising when we consider HCG has the ability to stimulate
testosterone production and thereby increase levels.

While unlikely gynecomastia
and excess water retention are possible due to HCG use. If the peptide
is being used on cycle, such issues are rarely a concern as
anti-estrogen medications are commonly being used. If used during a PCT
plan, while HCG doses are normally high during this phase total use is
typically very short lived and brings no issue of concern. As for other
purposes of HCG use, total doses will be extremely low and should once
again cause no concern. As you can see, when it comes to the side
effects of HCG this is an extremely friendly hormone. However, keep in
mind the issue of LH dependency that can occur due to abuse, and even in
cases of no abuse such dependency may still be possible. If dependency
occurs, this would result in a low testosterone condition.

HCG Administration:

There are several purposes of HCG use, and as a result, several HCG
dosing protocols. For the purpose of ovarian stimulation (fertility aid)
HCG is administered at a precise point during the menstrual cycle at a
dose of 5,000-10,000iu’s. Then we have the treatment of low
testosterone, which can last anywhere from 6 weeks to a full year.
Short-term plans will normally call for 500-1,000lu’s 3 times per week
for 3 weeks followed by 500-1,000iu’s 2 times per week for 3 weeks. Long
term HCG doses will normally fall in the 4,000iu range and are given 3
times per week for 6=9 months. This will normally be followed by 3 more
months of therapy at a dose of 2,000 3 times per week.

Then we have the anabolic steroid user, specifically the steroid user
using HCG while on cycle. For this purpose, an HCG dose of 250iu every
4-5 days is not only standard but as far as most will want to take it.
This will be enough HCG to produce the desired outcome and should not be
exceeded if future natural testosterone production is to be protected.

The final HCG dosing plan will surround PCT use and there are two
suitable protocols. The first method of use calls for 1,500-4,000iu’s to
be administered every 3-4 days for a period of 2-3 weeks. Once this
period of use comes to an end SERM therapy will begin again. A second
option and perhaps more efficient is to administer HCG daily at a dose
of 500-1,000iu’s per day for 10 days straight. Once this phase of use
has come to an end SERM therapy will begin.

If HCG is used during your PCT, timing is very important. If your
steroid cycle ends with any large ester based steroids HCG therapy will
begin 10 days after your last injection and then be followed by SERM
therapy once HCG use is complete. If your steroid cycle ends with all
small ester base steroids, you will begin HCG therapy 3 days after your
last injection and follow it with SERM therapy once HCG use is complete.